NPPF: Clark seeks to calm fears
Greg Clark has sought to calm fears the new planning regime will see the countryside chewed up by development.
The planning minister did insist, however, the new National Planning Policy Framework, which is now in effect, was “unashamedly pro-growth”. The presumption in favour of “sustainable development” has been retained in the 50-page document designed to speed up development. Councils with an up-to-date local plan have a 12-month transitional window even where their plans are inconsistent with the new framework. They can also amend their plans to reflect local interests. Town centres are more strongly protected. Hilary Benn, shadow communities secretary, welcomed a “U-turn on protection for playing fields and open spaces”.
28/03/12 Financial Times 2, 12, 18Times 2, 6, 7, 22Daily Telegraph 1, 4, 5, 19Independent 6, 7Guardian 4
Greg Clark has sought to calm fears the new planning regime will see the countryside chewed up by development.
The planning minister did insist, however, the new National Planning Policy Framework, which is now in effect, was “unashamedly pro-growth”. The presumption in favour of “sustainable development” has been retained in the 50-page document designed to speed up development. Councils with an up-to-date local plan have a 12-month transitional window even where their plans are inconsistent with the new framework. They can also amend their plans to reflect local interests. Town centres are more strongly protected. Hilary Benn, shadow communities secretary, welcomed a “U-turn on protection for playing fields and open spaces”.
28/03/12 Financial Times 2, 12, 18Times 2, 6, 7, 22Daily Telegraph 1, 4, 5, 19Independent 6, 7Guardian 4
